Leeds United continued their preparations for the 2025/26 Premier League season with a well-earned 1-1 draw against Villarreal on Saturday. Etta Eyong put the La Liga side in front before Joel Piroe scored once again, levelling for the Whites midway through the second half.
It's a result that leaves Leeds with two wins and two draws from their pre-season campaign thus far. They have beaten German duo Verl and SC Paderborn and picked up draws against Manchester United and Villarreal. The Whites face AC Milan in their final pre-season fixture next Saturday.
Leeds then kickstart their Premier League campaign with a home game against Everton on Monday, August 18. Before then, the Whites are no doubt going to be active in the summer transfer window looking to strengthen their squad. Daniel Farke reiterated the need for more new faces through the doors.
Here, Leeds Live has taken a look at the main talking points from the Whites' draw with Villarreal...
Players missing
When the Leeds fans looked at the teamsheet to face Villarreal, some were concerned about the lack of strength and depth in the squad. Indeed, Farke was without several first-team players against the Spanish side.
Lucas Perri, Jayden Bogle, Sebastiaan Bornauw, Daniel James, Jack Harrison, Patrick Bamford and Mateo Joseph were among those that didn't feature due to a number of difficult issues.
Perri, Bogle, James, Bornauw and Harrison missed out because of fitness and injury related concerns, while Bamford is not part of Farke's plans for the new season and Joseph has requested to leave the club.
Even if those five players return and Farke has a full squad to pick from, the Whites are still a couple of players short, especially in the attacking area. New signings are needed before Leeds' opening game against Everton.
KICK OFF - Leeds United pre-season guide 2025/26
The countdown is on to the 2025/26 Premier League campaign - and our pre-season guide is the ideal way to prepare for the action ahead.
As well as in-depth analysis and opinion on your club, we turn the spotlight on every team battling for top-flight glory - or simply survival in the toughest league in the world!
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Schmidt transfer reminder
Isaac Schmidt started for Leeds at right-back despite increased transfer speculation around a potential move to Werder Bremen. However, there is an understanding that the Whites won't offload the Switzerland international until they sign another full-back this summer.
While Schmidt started bright and on the front foot, he faded and gave the ball away on a couple of occasions. As well as that, the 25-year-old was caught out of position a few times, allowing Villarreal's biggest threat, Pino, to get in behind and create opportunities.
With Bogle nursing a hip flexor issue, Schmidt's performance against Villarreal has to be a reminder to the Leeds board that a new full-back, preferably a versatile one that can play on either side, is a must. James Justin of Leicester City is one that should be looked at.
KICK OFF - Leeds United pre-season guide 2025/26
The countdown is on to the 2025/26 Premier League campaign - and our pre-season guide is the ideal way to prepare for the action ahead.
As well as in-depth analysis and opinion on your club, we turn the spotlight on every team battling for top-flight glory - or simply survival in the toughest league in the world!
Also full fixtures guide so you don't miss a game in what is set to be a thrilling season.
Get your copy NOW
Midfield dilemma
Farke started with Anton Stach, Ethan Ampadu and Sean Longstaff as his midfield three to take on Villarreal - and it was a set up that worked throughout the time the trio were on the pitch together.
The Whites looked robust, strong and powerful in that area of the pitch - something that they lacked, at times, last season. Stach, in particular, was excellent and he looks like an astute signing. Meanwhile, Longstaff impressed in patches and Ampadu was his usual solid self in the defensive midfield area.
But when Ao Tanaka came on, the Japan international was excellent and gave Leeds something different. It felt as though the Whites had more control when he was introduced.
So, with Stach, Ampadu, Longstaff, Tanaka and Gruev battling for three, if not, two places depending on the system Farke decides to use, the Leeds boss no doubt has a right dilemma up his sleeve.
Striker search
It's clear that Leeds have been searching for a new centre forward this summer. Rodrigo Muniz was the man the Whites wanted after a bid of £26million was rejected by Fulham, who want £40m.
While Leeds may return for a fresh offer for the Brazilian, Farke has got to use the options he has available to him right now. Lukas Nmecha started against Villarreal but wasted two good opportunities in the first half, and though Joel Piroe showed instincts to score in the second period, he is unproven at the top level.
With Patrick Bamford and Mateo Joseph out of favour, Leeds cannot afford to have Nmecha, Piroe and 16-year-old Harry Gray as their central striker options for the new season.
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